Man charged with running over Grand Rapids cop's legs had trouble with law

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The man accused of running over a Grand Rapids police officer's legs while fleeing a traffic stop was charged with felonious assault on Saturday, records show.

Thomas Chad Clement, 24, of Grand Rapids, allegedly struck the Grand Rapids cop about 11:30 p.m. Thursday after the officer stopped a sport utility vehicle driven by Clement for a traffic offense. The 11-year veteran suffered leg and head injuries and has been treated and released from the hospital.

Clement was supposed to appear in Kent County Circuit Court Thursday afternoon for sentencing on a third-offense drunken driving conviction, but the hearing was adjourned.

State and county criminal records show Clement has convictions for aggravated assault, drug offenses and for repeatedly driving on a suspended license.

He was arraigned by video before Grand Rapids District Judge Benjamin Logan on the latest allegations. Logan ordered Clement held on a $75,000 cash bond.

Clement was arrested Friday about 17 hours after he is accused of running down the officer, who fired two shots at the vehicle as it bore down on him. The officer has been placed on a paid administrative leave, a standard practice.

Police said the suspect was pulled over along Oaklawn Street NE near Fuller Avenue. As the officer walked toward the Chevrolet Blazer, the driver drove off, turned around in a driveway and sped toward the officer, who was not identified.